The buildup of stomach acids that back up into the esophagus is known as acid reflux, which is also commonly known as GERD, or gastro esophageal reflux disease. As a result of this particular disease, the sufferer's esophagus becomes inflamed, and we all know that inflammation is not a good thing. GERD, or gastro esophageal reflux disease, is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, the condition could lead to Barrett's esophagus, which transforms the normal cells, lining the esophagus, into abnormal cells which usually equates to the Big C. Barrett's esophagus is actually a known precursor to esophageal cancer. Unfortunately, there is virtually no cure for this type of cancer, which is why prevention is absolutely critical.
There are many causes of gastro esophageal reflux disease, among them is a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori for short. According to Wikipedia.org, H. pylori is "a Gram-negative, microaerophilic bacterium that can inhabit various areas of the stomach, particularly the antrum. It causes a chronic low-level inflammation of the stomach lining and is strongly linked to the development of duodenal and gastric ulcers and stomach cancer." If the underlying cause for your gastro esophageal reflux disease is the bacteria, your doctor may recommend the Prevpac therapy as a form of treatment for the GERD as well as the bacteria itself.
Treating H. pylori bacteria requires multiple medications. The medications that are in the Prevpac are designed to eliminate the bacteria, minimize the effects of gastro esophageal reflux disease, as well as protect the duodenal and stomach lining. As stated in the NDDIC (National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse) website, "a clarithromycin based triple therapy is the standard treatment for an ulcer caused by H. pylori." This triple therapy basically involves two antibiotics to eliminate and impede the growth of the H. pylori bacteria and a PPI, or Proton Pump Inhibitor, to control the symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Prevpac and Prevacid, which is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, are manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. just in case you are interested to know, the generic name of Prevacid is lansoprazole. Gastro esophageal reflux disease that is caused by an underlying condition such as the H. pylori bacteria and duodenal ulcers that are active are the once that should be treated with the Prevpac therapy.
The Prevpac is generally given out on single dosing cards. The box will contain a fourteen day supply of medication. Each dose of Prevpac includes four pills: a Clarithromycin tablet, which is an antibiotic that stops the growth of the H. pylori bacteria, two amoxicillin capsules, which are the antibiotics responsible for killing the H. pylori bacteria, and a Prevacid, which deals with the symptoms of the acid reflux caused by the H. pylori bacteria. Each dose must be taken by mouth at the same time for fourteen days as part of the Prevpac therapy. Studies have shown that the fourteen day treatment revealed higher cure rates, according to the NDDIC.
